So here we are. The New York Giants officially released their first unofficial depth chart of the season, and everything looks to be right on par with what fans have been seeing during camp. Only one name truly sticks out. While perusing, you might’ve caught Jaxson Dart's name tucked in right below Jameis Winston's at QB3. Not quite what you’d expect if you’ve actually been paying attention to what’s happening at camp.
Russell Wilson is locked into the starting role. That’s literally never been up for debate. But behind him, things have been way more interesting than this chart wants you to believe. Dart has taken the overwhelming majority of second-team reps. He’s been sharper than anyone expected this early, and many assumed he was in the conversation for backup duties.
So let’s not freak out. Let’s also not pretend this isn’t at least a little weird. Because this feels less like a depth chart and more like head coach Brian Daboll putting on a face for the public.
Giants' (definitely not Daboll's) unofficial depth chart isn't fooling anyone
There’s a reason it’s called “unofficial.” The depth chart isn’t gospel, and it definitely doesn’t reflect what the actual reps have looked like. He’s had rookie moments, but he's settled in, cleaned things up, and gotten noticeably more confident with the offense every single day. That’s not nothing.
Winston’s been fine. He’s had a couple of decent reps, some misfires, and one extremely clutch win in a team crossbar challenge, which was probably the highlight of his camp so far, though his Michael Jackson-inspired Thriller dance is a close second. But this listing feels more performative than anything.
Like Daboll just doesn’t want to invite more noise by bumping the rookie up too early in August.
Still, the fact that Dart is showing up like this in practice makes this depth chart mean absolutely nothing beyond the page it’s printed (typed?) on. QB2, QB3—call it whatever you want. If Wilson gets hurt or things go south, camp reps would suggest it's the Dart who's next man up.
Unofficial or not, that’s the reality. Dart’s earned the attention. And based on how he’s looked lately, this “QB3” thing isn’t going to hold much longer on matter how badly Dabs tries.